A collection of seventy-eight short narratives captures the erratic, interconnected lives of a Brooklyn neighborhood cast as they navigate a reality blurred by magic and arcane influence. The characters, including figures like The Magician and Fat Frankie, pursue their daily routines of gossip, argument, and posturing while existing within a world that defies traditional realism. Sorrentino employs a fragmented, non-linear framework to mirror the chaotic speech patterns and shifting perceptions of his subjects. The narrative tension arises from the friction between the mundane setting of street corners and shops and the pervasive, surreal presence of the arcane.

Discussion often centers on Sorrentino's commitment to formal experimentation and his ability to elevate colloquial speech into a rhythmic, almost musical experience. Readers frequently highlight the balance between the vulgarity of the characters and the underlying sense of mystery that permeates the neighborhood. Critics often note that the work functions as a linguistic portrait of a specific time and place, prioritizing stylistic innovation over traditional plot progression. The text is frequently cited for its humor and its refusal to adhere to the standard constraints of realistic fiction, making it a polarizing but significant entry in the author's bibliography.